Sky's the limit for Miller at Aust MotoGP

Australian MotoGP ace Jack Miller isn't putting a cap on what he can achieve at Phillip Island after a stunning return from injury.

Australian MotoGP rider Jack Miller in action

Australian MotoGP rider Jack Miller has his eyes on a podium finish at Phillip Island. (AAP)

A podium finish is within Australian MotoGP ace Jack Miller's grasp after he surged to fifth spot on the starting grid for Sunday's race.

The 22-year-old is rightfully bullish about his prospects after claiming middle position on the second row, behind pole-sitter and championship leader Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda) in Saturday qualifying.

The Marc VDS rider would have been forgiven for easing his way back into racing after breaking his leg in a training accident three weeks ago.

He will race with a plate and eight screws just below his right knee for at least the next 12 months, but the way he has attacked the Phillip Island circuit this week has been nothing short of remarkable.

"Everything and anything," Miller replied when asked what he was capable of at his home grand prix after qualifying.

"But we don't want to get ahead of ourselves.

"My goal is to try to get a decent start, not get caught up in anything on that first lap.

"I'll just try to follow the front guys as long as possible and see where we end up. If I can stick with them for the majority of the race I think we can come away in a good position.

"I think a top-five (finish) would be lovely, but anywhere inside that top-eight I'd be happy with.

"We'll be pushing it for even better."

Marquez is a step closer to a fourth MotoGP world title after claiming his 44th MotoGP pole position.

Sunday's race could be pivotal in the championship battle with Marquez holding an 11-point advantage over main rival Andrea Dovizioso of Ducati with three races remaining.

Dovizioso struggled to 11th place on the starting grid, but Marquez will need to contain his natural instinct to push the envelope for the win, while keeping an eye on the championship dogfight.

"I'm really happy for this pole position because we are in a very important moment of the season," Marquez said.

"We will see what we can do in the race but the most important thing is finishing on the podium and in front of Dovizioso."

Broc Parkes, the only other Australian on the grid, will start from 21st on the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 he is riding for the unwell Jonas Folger.

Australia's Remy Gardner (Tech 3 Racing) will start from 16th on the Moto2 grid, with Italian Mattia Pasini (Italtrans Racing Team) claiming pole.

In Moto3, Jorge Martin (Del Conca Grisini) scored his eighth pole position of the season, while Australian wildcard Tom Toparis will start from last place (31st) on the grid for Cube Racing.


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Source: AAP



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